Are you ready for New Year's?

Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanzaa...and any other holidays you may be celebrating. I hope you have a had merry time with your family, friends and loved ones.

This time of year is very special to me, as I can always see smiles on people's faces and everyone seems so much friendlier. With Christmas 08 in the past, it is time to focus on the new year's festivities. In case you are going to throw your own celebrations this year, I wanted to recommend some must have's for that special night.....
Colorful foil hats, leis, throws, tiaras...a set of 42 items, perfect for a cozy new year's party of 10 people. For $14.99 you are set for your new year's party decorations!

Also, have you had a second to focus on your new year's resolutions? I stopped making new year's resolutions a few year's back, to be quite honest. I believe that we do not need to wait for January 1st to make a positive change in our lives, but every day is precious and we can start at any moment. I hope you will take today as an opportunity to make that positive change in your life. Happy New Year! And keep shopping!

BK's Holiday Guide

What would a shopping blog be without a holiday guide? It's like fries without ketchup, or shopping without bargains! There are some things that I believe every host must have! This a list of 5 must have’s I recommend and love. So without further ado, I present to you the BK Holiday Guide:

1. A trendy dinnerware set. Hibiscus 20 Piece Dinnerware Set: A dinnerware set is a must have for every home. The trick is to have something cute and chic that you can use daily and to entertain. And of course, it doesn’t break the bank. My recommendation-the Hibiscus 20 piece dinnerware set by Wrapables. Set includes 4 of the following: dinner plate, salad plate, soup plate, tea cups and saucer, all served in a gift box for less than $100.

2. Chic attire for a host. Jesse Steel Josephine Café Toile Apron: I love Jessie Steele Aprons, but this one in particular is one of my favorites. The fun designs not only add life and vibrance to your kitchen activities, but you can buy a matching accessories for the ultimate trendy cook. Jessie Steele hostess aprons are made from fine cotton, this one has two round-edged waist pocked and the bow dresses it up to serve not only as a great cooking accessory, but also for chic entertaining. $26.99

3. A nice tea set to entertain with. Pink Swirls Coffee & Tea Set: Everyone who entertains, needs a tea set. Tea time is a traditional service, but we can vamp it up with a colorful design such as these Pretty in Pink Tea collection. My personal favorite these cups and saucers are hand wash recommended with cake frosting pink and black swirls printed on them and a silver trim. $32.99 Set of 6

4. Nice glassware to match your dinnerware, regardless of occasion. Stemless Wine Glasses $1.95 each. Some say it’s all about the wine, but these stemless wine glasses are my favorite new item because they are about everything. You can enjoy a nice glass of pinot in them, or your favorite lemonade. At that price, you can break them without feeling guilty and they are so chic and elegant, you can use them for every dinner party. Love’em! From Crate And Barrell.

5. A little bit of luxury-treat yourself. This last piece is in my opinion a luxury piece but a nice addition to any home, dinner or wine and cheese night. A nice swoon Carafe. Sensuous curves with a stylish trim will make this stand out at any table and at $26.95 an affordable gift to yourself.

Holiday Gifts Part I-Hannukah

With the holidays right around the corner, it's time to offer deals and offers! I'm not sure how many out there have had a chance to already take care of their holiday shopping, but if you are still looking, I highly recommend my site Brentwood Kitchen, for cute tea sets, decorative candelabras and other elegant gifts at affordable prices! On BK, you can find gifts starting at $9.99!

With the holiday of Hannukah being just around the corner, this post will highlight two beautiful choices of Hannukah menorahs.

If you are looking for something more elegant and antique inspired, then the Decorative Silver Plated Chanukiah/Hannukah Menorah is right up your alley. It's silver plated and made of the highest quality to prevent tarnish. It's my personal favorite in the elegance department. Right now it's on sale for $51.08!

The second Hannukah menorah is more playful and fun. With a variety of vibrant colors, fruit displays and beautiful stars of david painted, this porcelain menorah makes the candle lighting process a joyful experience for the entire family. Price $55.75

Happy Hannukah everyone! Festive lighting to all

An Afternoon at the Getty Museum

I have been living in Los Angeles for about 14 years now, and never had a chance to visit the Getty Museum. Last Sunday, my best friend I. and I took a spontaneous trip, after running a quick errand at Bed, Bath & Beyond, to the museum.

It was a perfect day for the Getty. The sun was sparkling at 75 degrees, there was a slight breeze, and the view of Los Angeles from the Getty was clear and beautiful. We strolled through the Impressionism section, glanced at 18th & 19th Century furniture, and eventually ended up at the colorful Getty Gardens. What a beautiful sight. I. has enjoyed photography since high school and was snapping away all afternoon.

I wanted to share these great pictures with you. Visit Color Moods Getty Afternoon

Stemless wine glasses, not just for wine

I finally bought them! I am so excited to share my latest purchase with you. Since I moved out of my parents house last year, I have been shopping little by little for my home. Thankfully, my roommate had furniture, so I was spared a big expense. Now I can spend my last cent on houseware items. Yes, I realize I can walk into my family's warehouse and pick and choose all I need, but they don't carry everything! In particular, I am referring to my latest purchase; the newly popular stemless wine glasses. Crate & Barrel Stemless Wine Glasses $1.95 per glass. Eligible for free shipping.
Ok, maybe not that newly popular, since they have been on the market for a while. I have been watching them for a while and awaiting a price drop. The other day, I visited Crate & Barrel with my mom and my uncle. We were walking around the store, just browsing. Towards the end of our visit, we came across them: the perfectly shaped stemless wine glasses. There they were, in all their loveliness, delicate shape and perfectly molded to fit your palm for $1.95 a pop. I looked at my mom and she saw the excitement in my eyes. My mom is always telling me that I spend too much money. On Sunday, she knew this was a battle she would not win. However, for her to actually approve of the items is a big deal in itself. She actually motivated me to buy them! I knew that was a sign from higher powers.

Well, who can deny a mother's wish? I didn't waste a minute and grabbed a sales associate. 20 minutes later, I walked out of Crate & Barrell with a sweet memory and owner of these new versatile and delicate stemless wine glasses.



The glasses are meant for serving wine, however, they are so simple and beautiful, you can use them for any occasion. I think they are very versatile, and I am planning to use them for regular drinks as well. In fact I used them a few days later, for a small dinner gathering and they were perfect. Some guests enjoyed wine with them, others their Diet Coke.

There is a variety of styles and colors available for you to choose from. Take a look at the following:

Acrylic Stemless Beverage Glasses $2.95 each, Crate and Barrel Outlet

Stars Glass $2.95 each, Crate and Barrel Outlet

And I was so happy to finally own a perfect set of glassware for any occasion.

Tip: If you create a wedding registry, they will send you a 10% discount coupon towards your purchases.

Coupon Alert!

I know I have been MIA for a while, but my vacation took a while longer than expected. Meanwhile I have collected some great stories and experiences and can't wait to share them with you. Just in time for the holiday season, I will be collecting some great deals and reviews.

I have finally added some Lalique pieces to my own website, for all your fans out there. Take a look. All Lalique products come with authenticity certification and are 40% below retail value. The Lalique Anemone flower is my personal favorite. Lalique has such a delicate and unique style to its figurines, that it's hard not to love them. Check them out on Brentwood Kitchen.
As always, if there is a particular store or product you are intersted in, let me know!

Let's just start this new beginning with some sweet deals:

COUPON ALERT:
Kitchen Collection Coupon $10 off any order of $50. Enter coupon code bb
Horchow is having an amazing 20% off the entire site sale, but it will expire on Wednesday 10/15 at midnight. Enter code 2Days. Try to combine it with this additional 10% off coupon. It might work. Code: newhome
Sur La Table is offering a 10% discount on All Clad items. Enter code 332004

I love L.A.

It is almost ironic, that I left for New York with a blog about customer service, and all the things I love about LA, as it has never been as poignant before how much I prefer to live here. I had a wonderful time in New York. If you follow my Twitter updates (on the right side of the page), you will see a short summary of my moods and experiences, while I was there. It was busy, lively, people running around, shopping, making money and tourists all over the place encompassing the 13 million+ people that are on that tiny island on a daily basis.

But more than ever before, I encountered the NYC hospitality of rudeness. It didn't help, that New York was experiencing one of their worst heat waves and as an LA girl, I'm not used to 95 degrees plus 5000% humidity. So, I was required to spend most my time in stores to appreciate the air conditioners. Most store associates were rude, not helpful, or reluctant to be so, with the exception of one. However, the sales that were in progress made up for it. Of course I spent every penny I had. I am a professional shopper!

Most people believe, that whether you shop in LA or NYC, all stores are the same. Especially chain retail stores. But in reality, it's all about timing and selection. Bloomingdales, for example, in NYC is 4 times the size than their LA branches. So chances of you finding more selection in NYC, are 4 times as high.

During sale season, I have had more luck in New York at the following stores:

Macy's: Hands down, has one of the most amazing sales, but beware of the mob of people. It can get crowded and you will have to wait a long time for your requests, unless you snatch a sales associate.

Saks Fifth Avenue: Yes ladies, Saks Fifth Avenue has an amazing sale and offer extra incentives during sale season to sign up to be a card member. My sales associate, offered me an additional 43% off EVERYTHING on sale in the store (without any conditions), if I opened a card, and no tax if my items were shipped out of state. Of course, I obliged!

Finally, here is my personal piece of news for shopping. I met with a distributor and am proud to announce that I will start selling Lalique pieces at 35% and higher discounts on www.BrentwoodKitchen.com .

Coming soon: Adding Lenox and Villeroy and Boch to inventory. As of now, they are only available on special order.

Now back to fun and entertainment in NYC: In terms of restaurants, I must recommend "Buddakan". It's an Asian Fusion restaurant, decently priced with amazing food. It's actually the location of shooting for one of the "Sex In The City" movie scenes.

All in all, I must say, it was a nice trip. We had great food, went to great nightclubs and a beautiful rooftop bar. Plus, it was a girls trip-which comes with an extra high dose of laughter.

The Big Apple

I'm taking off to city that never sleeps for a week! I love going to New York and it has become an annual tradition. I love the people, Central Park, and everything that differentiates it from Los Angeles, funny enough. Whenever I am there, I am jolted with energy. I cannot wait to share all my fun experiences and shopping finds.

I must admit, by the end of every trip to NYC, I realize the many reasons I love Los Angeles.

During my trip I won't be able to update my blog, but I will surely be shopping! I will be back on June 10th.

Customer Service is not history!

On Memorial day, I decided to make Creme Brulee for my Sex in the City brunch! Basically my closest friends came over for lunch with a hot dish of gossip served on the side. I began preparing the creme brulee the night before, and everything went so well until the next day, as I was preparing the finishing touches, my blow torch dies! My Williams & Sonoma blow torch dies!!!!!

I have used it a handful of times before and was so baffled. On top of being surprised, I was so upset, that my creme brulee won't be complete. I mean, we all love the sugar crust on top. Regardless, I ended up having to put a strawberry garnish (my friend's idea to the rescue!) and serve them without the sugar crust.

I went to Williams and Sonoma to return the blow torch. As soon as I described my problem, the sales associate attempted to figure out the problem for the next 10 minutes. He then showed another associate the problem. They told me shortly after, that there seems to be a leak and that they would gladly replace it for me. They were so sweet about it! I had no receipt, no box and I didn't even have to ask them! They brought me a new, upgraded and more expensive blow torch, apologized for the inconvenience and I was on my way!

I have had so many negative experiences lately with customer service, that this just blew me away. It is so nice to know there is a store that appreciates the customer. With that, I would like to encourage all of you to go visit Williams & Sonoma this week-one of the few stores that still offer true customer service!

I was going to post a coupon, but the Williams & Sonoma's summer sale started last week!

A Chic Cook

Face it cooks; we all like to look good when we are in the kitchen. There is something sexy about a woman who knows her way around the kitchen, and whips up a delicious meal. Be it for herself or her family but specially when she is entertaining.

In reality, cooking can be messy. Insert aprons. When I was growing up, my mom had many aprons, all colorful, but kind of ugly, quiet honestly speaking. And nowadays, when we entertain, who wants to wear something with plain cherries printed on vinyl? (YES VINYL!)

Insert Jessie Steele Aprons. My friend actually helped me stumble across this haute couture aprons. This mother-daughter team, decided to design aprons, reflectinga 40's and 50s era design and 'symbolizing the grace and beauty of a forgotton time'-as they so eloquently put it.

So how much are these aprons? They range from $39.95 to $29.99. Here are the best deals on my favorite selected designs:

Cafe Toile-This one is my favorite. So beautiful.

Brentwood Kitchen: $29.99 --Best deal
(Yes I have these in my inventory-I love them! My friend bought one, as soon as they arrived!)

Amazon: $32.99

Wrapables: $34.99

Brown & Pink Polka Dot-matching kids apron and pott mitt available

Cooking.com: $32.95

Brentwood Kitchen: $29.99

On my website, Brentwood Kitchen, also has the matching Children Brown & Pink apron, and pot mitt.

Plus gals, for all my blog readers, here's a special treat: a 10% off coupon. Just enter the keyword BkShopper at checkout!

"All aprons are made for the stylish chef and hostess. Heirloom quality Designer Hostess Apron constructed from a fine Linen/Cotton Blend. Ties at neck and wait for easy adjusting. Contrast Bias-trimmed at edges with a flattering Drop-Waist, and Flouncy Skirt. Exclusive Jessie Steele Designer Apron Collection. "

Enjoy!

Coupon Alert!

I just found these discount coupons. Shop away!

Mikasa: 10% off $75 or more order when you use Visa card
Mikasa and Company Coupon Code : VISA080106
Expires: June 30

Linens N Things: 20% off single item
Linens N' Things Coupon Code : 265900000004
Expires: Dec. 31

Lenox: $10 off orders over $75 (link redirects to Lenox page, with code already embedded when you purchase)
Expires: May 26

Horchow: 10% off any order
Horchow Coupon Code : NEWMOVE
Expires: Dec.31

It's Magical

Ladies and Gents, may I propose, the magical trash can. Ta dah!

Deep down inside, we accept that trash cans are a faulty tool and have not been perfected. Step trash cans, break frequently, or are hard to maneuver after a while. Trash cans with swing lids, are messy as you have to hold the lid, while you are throwing trash in. And well, you cannot have one without a lid, because it is smelly, unhygienic, and if you have a pet-messy (again).

So imagine a trash can, that automatically opens as you are near it. Imagine a lid you don't have to hold open by either stepping on something, or manually holding it while you are throwing your trash away. Imagine throwing away trash to become a hygienic, bacteria free event.

Abra Kadabra: The Touchless Trash Can. Stainless steel, stylish design with infrared technology. When your hand reaches within 6 inches of the lid, the sensor commands the lid to open and it will remain open for the duration that you remain within those 6 inches. Once you move back, within 3-5 seconds, the lid automatically slowly closes.

There are buttons for manual operation (if you want to do it the boring way). It has an on/off button, for the infrared technology. This trash can makes throwing away trash, fun!

I read a variety of consumer reviews and they were all positive and described the item to be easy to use.

Now, let's talk $$$:

Target: $169.99 with free shipping, holds 18 gallons

Living Comforts: $79.00, holds 13 gallons

Best Brands Club; $69.99, *Special* holds 13 gallons

Enjoy!

Shop, Chop, Shop

Cutting herbs is not my forte. I was frustratingly attempting to cut parsley to add to a ground turkey medley for dinner when I decided to either never cut anything again (!!!) or find an easier way to do it.

So, I ventured onto a few sites, looking for a solution. Nowadays there seems to be a gadget for every cutting need, and look at the fun toy I found: Rachael Ray’s Furi Froggy Mezzaluna.

It has two blades, rubber handle and a half moon shape for a quick cut. Just put the blades over the item you want to chop, and rock it back and forth! The rubberized grip, makes it non-slip, and easy to use. It is supposed to cut anything from herbs to chocolate and nuts. Ooooh, I’m loving it.

It definitely looks like genius. Now let’s see how genius the price is. I found a variety of prices from $50 at bigger retail stores to $19.99 at PriceGrabber.com (a shopping comparison network). The lowest priced options are;

1. Gold Violin $34.99 includes the froggy and a non-slip mat
2. PriceGrabber $ 18.99-$39.00 from different retailers, but all include froggy, cutting board and a non-slip mat (18.99 offered by Amazon)

$18.99 sounds like a good price to me! Let me know how you like it- I’m shop, chop, chopping away!

Welcome

Welcome to my houseware shopper blog! I have decided to write about products that I find useful (and cute!) in the kitchen and my home. Not only ordinary tools, no! no! no!, but ones with pizzazz associated with them-cutting edge tools, at cutting edge discounts. (And did I mention cute!)

Why? Ever since I can remember, I have been fascinated with houseware products. When I was a little, my mom would take me to ‘Lorey’ (department store size version of Williams& Sonoma) to shop. Lorey is one of the finest stores in Frankfurt, for luxurious houseware needs, including everything from dinnerware to kitchen tools.

Yes, you read right, Frankfurt, as in Frankfurt, Germany. The Mecca of all stainless steel products (WMF knives!!!). So walking from store to store, would be a never ending delight. As she would shop for our household needs, I would run around the store and stare at their beautiful tableware, kitchen products and start building a registry in my mind -one that I would likely not purchase until years later. But the excitement continued with every visit. To this day, there are many moments etched in my mind, moments surrounded by crystal glasses, beautiful cookware, and designer dinnerware.

It must definitely also be genetic, as I grew up in a family filled with wholesale houseware distributors. Once you have those connections-how can you ever shop retail again?

Fast forward to today-a L.A. based college graduate and e-commerce professional-I am now starting to bring an old flame back to the present. The time arrived for me to shop from my fantasy registry, for my own home. Thus, I started looking for products to my heart’s delight. But it all came to a screeching halt when my bank account gave me a reality check!

So this blog here, is dedicated to all you lovers of beautiful houseware products but shop on a budget. I will post new products regularly (either from my site, or others) with great deals. And I hope you let me know when you find great deals too!If there is anything you have our eye on, let me know and I will put my deal talents to work. I look forward to hearing your thoughts about the products you use and deals you find.

Welcome to the Brentwood Kitchen Shopper!